Sportline 10ft queries…

[justanotheramy]

I've become a bit besotted with the little Sportline 10ft vans after seeing member photos, but before I get too invested in searching for one I should probably get some background info! And where else to ask but here, the repository of all vintage van knowledge?

I get that it varies a bit between years/models, but any info or advice would be fab.
Thanks

1) how much do they weigh?
2) (related) what's the smallest tow car that would be safe/sensible for something that size and weight?
3) what are the rear bed dimensions?
4) common problems/weak points to watch out for when buying and maintaining?

[urkel1965]

Hi justanotheramy
Besotted with Sportlines??....perhaps you need some therapy!!!! Only joking.
There don't seem to be to many of them around. Mine is a 10ft 1959 model, and a couple of months ago I saw one the same as mine. The owner was told his was 1959 also. When I bought mine in 2004, the rego sticker said it was 700kg, although I haven't had it weighed.
Am unsure what the smallest tow car would be, but I tow mine with an FX or EJ holden. both 138 motors. The EJ has a hydramatic transmission. They tow it OK but you don't want to be in a hurry.
When it is not so cold, I will wander down the back and measure the bed. It runs widthways across the back of the van and folds down from a lounge type seat. Am guessing it would be just 6ft in length and about 3 1/2 - 4ft wide. Will measure properly later.
Mine had a bit of water damage in the back corner when I bought it. I patched it & resealed the outer alum skin. In the last couple of weeks, I decided I needed to do a better job, and took the alum skin off one side. Of course this showed a bit more than I thought, so I spent a couple of days of rec leave playing with it. Mine is basically original, so I do running repairs as they appear as opposed to a full resto.
Overall, water damage seems to the biggest problem so its a case of keeping water out.
Cheers
Steve

[justanotheramy]

Thanks for that! All good to know, and it appreciate it
Has it warmed up enough yet for measuring?

[urkel1965]

Hi justanotheramy
Lashed out in the dark (still cold!!) with a tape measure and a ciggie lighter...hope you aren't too tall...the bed is 1800mm (a bit under 6ft) long and 1030mm (a bit over 3ft)wide.
This has either helped or scared you off Sportlines
Cheers
Steve

[justanotheramy]

Hmm… That's actually not significantly smaller than my futon is when I've got it set up with bolsters to stop my 3 year old rolling out…
So I'm not scared
Said 3 year old's dad, on the other hand… But at least there's another single bed, eh?

Thank you. I've been talking to someone who has a ready-to-roll Sportline coming in in about 2 weeks, so am trying to focus on gathering information instead of getting over-excited *just because*. It's probably something one needs to actually stand inside to really understand.

[urkel1965]

Mine had a couple of modifications done before I got it in 2004...
- the table has been modified so it does not drop down to a single bed, although it is still removable for travelling
- the ice chest was removed and a small 240V fridge was installed.
Cheers
Steve

[justanotheramy]

I'm told this one I'm waiting on has the dinette-to-bed configuration. Know nothing else about the interior, so not a clue about the fridge!
Not a clue, either, what a reasonable price would be for a 66 Sportline… What someone (ha! me!) is willing to pay, is my best guess

[urkel1965]

Hi justanotheramy,
As far as price goes, if the buyer and seller agree on a price, then a deal is done.
With a bit of luck, we may see some photo's of another Sportline here at some stage!!!!
Cheers
Steve

[noblesgarage]

What u seen the light an getting a bondy

[urkel1965]

Wash your mouth out Mr Noble!!!!!
Some vans have timber framework hidden under their aluminium skin....
Cheers
Steve